Redaccion
The real estate offer is a crime that generates great social concern and an undeniable feeling of insecurity among the citizens. Therefore, the Municipal Government of Alcbendas maintains a high commitment to prevent and act against illegal housing occupations, as specified in the creation of a cross-functional working group in which incidents of this problem are participated by both the local and national police.
The local police use all available legal instruments, guaranteeing the safety and rights of their neighbors. As a result of this effort, there were 83 housing evacuations in 2024, 63 in 2023, and 64 in 2022.
The action protocol of the local police, in addition to regulating operational actions, also includes strategic preventive actions to reduce criminal acts related to the illegal use of real estate. In this sense, citizen collaboration is essential.
Contact 112, 902 or 091
In view of any indication that may lead to an occupation, it is essential to inform the police as soon as possible, using 112, 092 or 091.
The security councilor, Carlos Rodrigo, stated that the Municipal Council will not allow the rights of our neighbors to be violated. Our comprehensive plan against occupation combines prevention, immediate action, and support for the affected, always within the legal framework and coordinated with the courts and the National Police. «The data shows that our strategy works and that in Alcobedas we manage to keep it under control.
In September 2022, the plenary of the Municipal Council approved a motion from the Popular Group requesting the national government to strengthen the penal code against occupation. «We continue to ask the central government to change the law so that evictions take place within 24 hours,» the councilor said.
Innovative procedure to speed up evacuations
In criminal matters, the local police in Alcobedas has developed an innovative process procedure. If a person is a victim of an occupation, both parties are summoned to court on the last day, within approximately a week. This allows the judge, if deemed appropriate, to quickly order the evacuation and return the property to the owner. In 2024, this measure led to 14 successful cases.
The local police collaborate with the judiciary granting and protecting the judicial commission of the competent courts when judicial evictions are ordered by decision.
Support for victims and social care
Victims of illegal occupation in Alcobedas can access the Victims Support Service (SAV), which offers legal advice and psychological support. At the same time, evacuated families receive attention from municipal social services to ensure dignified treatment during this process.
Anti-occupation alarms
To strengthen prevention against illegal occupation, the police also have an annual budget for installing alarms in vulnerable houses. In 2024, six devices of this type were installed.
Carlos Rodrigo emphasizes that «Due to the close collaboration between the local police, the national police, the courts, and municipal services, we contain cases of illegal occupation in our city. We will not lower our guard and will continue to use all resources at our disposal to ensure the safety and peace of mind of our neighbors.
Regional services against illegal occupation
To combat illegal housing occupation and support affected individuals, the Community of Madrid has implemented several measures.
In July 2022, the CECOM 112-Occupation Service was activated, accessible through the toll-free number 900 205 112. This service provides information to citizens on the legal aspects of illegal occupation and the available options to defend the property in court. Additionally, it facilitates action and protection by law enforcement agencies and provides assistance through the Victims of Crime Assistance Office (OAVD). In this way, with a single call, victims have all the public resources available from the autonomous administration to deal with this phenomenon of crimes against private property.
